The Baltimore Ravens (5-2, T-1st AFC North) travel to Cleveland for an AFC North clash against the Cleveland Browns (1-6, 4th AFC North) at Huntington Bank Field this Sunday. Baltimore secured its fifth consecutive win, outscoring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-31 on Monday Night Football. They share the top spot in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In contrast, Cleveland recently fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 21-14, marking their fifth straight loss. The Browns will also be without quarterback Deshaun Watson for the remainder of the season due to a ruptured Achilles. Baltimore has several players ruled out, including Keaton Mitchell and Jalyn Armour-Davis, while numerous others are questionable. The Browns will miss Wyatt Teller, Watson, Nyheim Hines, Nick Harris, and Alex Wright, with additional players listed as questionable.
Ravens Offense Shines, While Defensive Gaps Persist
Baltimore boasts a potent offensive lineup, averaging 31.1 points and 461.4 yards per game, ranking second and first in the league, respectively. They excel in rushing, averaging 210.9 yards per game (1st), complemented by 250.6 yards per game in passing (5th). Dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson has amassed 1,810 passing yards and 455 rushing yards. He has thrown for 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions, also contributing with two rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Derrick Henry leads the NFL in rushing, tallying 873 yards and eight touchdowns. Zay Flowers stands out among receivers, with 49 catches for 412 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per reception.
Despite their offensive prowess, Baltimore’s defense has room for improvement, allowing an average of 25.7 points and 355.6 yards per game, ranking 27th and 23rd in the league. They excel against the run, permitting just 68.4 yards per game (1st), but struggle against the pass, allowing 287.1 yards (32nd). Linebacker Roquan Smith leads the team in tackles with 74, while Kyle Van Noy tops the list in quarterback sacks with 7.0. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has a team-high four interceptions, contributing to a total of 22 quarterback sacks and five interceptions by the defense.
Cleveland’s Offensive Woes Continue Amid Defensive Struggles
The Cleveland offense is faltering, averaging only 15.6 points and 253.9 yards per game, ranking 29th and 32nd in the league, respectively. The Browns average 94.3 yards rushing (28th) and 159.6 yards passing (30th). With Deshaun Watson sidelined, Jameis Winston will start as quarterback, having thrown for only 83 yards and one touchdown in limited play. Jerome Ford, who is questionable, leads the team in rushing with 264 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Jerry Jeudy has recorded 21 receptions for 266 yards and one touchdown, averaging 12.7 yards per catch. Running back Nick Chubb made his season debut last week and is expected to start in the backfield.
Defensively, Cleveland allows an average of 23.1 points and 317.9 yards per game, ranking 18th and 13th, respectively. They give up 126.1 yards rushing (15th) and 191.7 yards passing (11th) per game. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah leads in tackles with 54, while defensive end Myles Garrett tops the team with four sacks. The defense has collectively recorded 18 quarterback sacks but has only managed one interception this season.
Key Predictions for Ravens vs. Browns
Baltimore appears to have the upper hand on both offense and defense against Cleveland. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is in MVP form, leading the Ravens with 1,810 passing yards and 455 rushing yards. Derrick Henry’s impressive rushing stats further bolster Baltimore’s offensive threat. The Ravens rank second in points scored, first in rushing yards, and first in total offense. Meanwhile, the Browns will rely on Jameis Winston, who has limited game experience this season. Although Cleveland aims to establish a ground game with Chubb, they will face a formidable Ravens defense that is statistically the best at stopping the run, allowing just 68.4 yards per game.
